Owners Nissan Almera Classic (B10) often encounter a situation where, when you turn the ignition key, the starter is silent or makes only faint clicks. The problem may appear occasionally - for example, after rain or a long stay - or become permanent. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is not related to the starter itself, but to related elements: battery, contacts or relay. However, the symptoms cannot be ignored: if the starter does not work, this can lead to a complete inability to start the engine or even damage to the flywheel due to asynchronous operation of the bendix.

In this article we will analyze all the possible reasons why the starter does not turn on Almera Classic (including models with engines QG15DE And QG18DE), and also give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair. We will pay special attention to the “weak points” of this model - for example, oxidation of solenoid relay contacts or starter brush wear after 150+ thousand kilometers. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust some operations (for example, disassembling the starter) to specialists - but most checks can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools.

1. First steps: what to check before disassembling

Before removing the starter or blaming its malfunction, rule out simple causes that can be eliminated in 5–10 minutes:

  • 🔋 Battery charge. On Almera Classic Even with a discharged battery, the lamps on the panel may light up, but there will not be enough voltage to crank the starter. Check the voltage with a multimeter: with the engine off it should be 12.6–12.8 V, at startup - not lower 10.5 V.
  • 🔌 Battery terminals. Oxidation or poor ground contact (especially on the body under the hood) is a common cause of a “silent” starter. Try moving the terminals: if the starter works, the problem is in the contact.
  • 🔑 Ignition switch contact group. On Almera Classic contact wear is manifested by the fact that the starter does not respond to turning the key, but other electrical appliances (for example, a radio tape recorder) are working.
  • 🚨 Starter fuse and relay. In the fuse box (under the hood, next to the battery), check the element F30 (10A) and relay K5. A sign of a faulty relay - the starter does not click at all.

If all of the listed elements are in order, but the starter still does not turn, proceed to in-depth diagnostics. Please note: on Almera Classic with Automatic transmission the starter will not operate if the gear selector is not in the P or N - check this before proceeding further.

📊 Where do you start diagnosing a broken starter?
  • I'll check the battery
  • I'll inspect the terminals and ground
  • I'll ring the starter relay
  • I'll immediately remove the starter for disassembly.

2. Diagnostics of the solenoid relay: why it clicks but doesn’t turn

A characteristic symptom of a malfunction of the solenoid relay on Almera Classic — single or multiple click When you turn the key, the starter does not crank the engine. This happens due to:

  • 🔧 Burnt contacts (“nickels”) inside the relay. Over time, they become covered with soot, and current does not pass to the starter winding.
  • 🧲 Winding wear retractor In this case, the relay may operate every other time or only after several startup attempts.
  • 🔩 Relay loosening to the starter housing. Vibrations lead to poor contact.

To test the solenoid relay, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the air filter to access the starter (on Almera Classic it is located to the right of the engine).
  2. Disconnect the control chip from the solenoid relay (thin wire).
  3. Using a screwdriver, close the two thick contacts on the relay (plus from the battery and the output to the starter). If the starter spins, the problem is in the relay or its control circuit.

Inspect the contacts for oxidation|Ring the relay winding with a multimeter (resistance ~1–1.5 Ohm)|Check the voltage on the control wire (should be 12V when turning the key)|Try to start the starter bypassing the relay (by closing the contacts)-->

⚠️ Attention: When closing contacts with a screwdriver, be careful - a strong spark discharge is possible. Do not touch metal parts of the body or engine during the procedure. If the starter does not respond even to a direct short circuit, the problem may be brush wear or anchor jamming.

3. Starter problems: when disassembly is required

If diagnostics show that the starter itself is to blame, it will have to be removed and disassembled. On Nissan Almera Classic it takes about 1–1.5 hours if you have the tools. Basic starter malfunctions:

Symptom Probable Cause Remedy
The starter does not respond to the closure of the retractor contacts Worn brushes or commutator Replacing brushes or starter assembly
The starter turns slowly and jerkily Burning of the commutator or short circuit of the windings Grooving the collector or replacing the armature
Grinding or squealing noise when starting up Worn bendix teeth or flywheel Replacing the bendix or flywheel (in case of critical wear)
The starter works, but does not turn off after starting The retractor is jammed or the holding winding is broken Replacing the solenoid relay

To disassemble the starter Almera Classic you will need:

  • Socket wrenches on 10 And 12.
  • Screwdrivers (phillips and flathead).
  • Multimeter for checking windings.
  • Lubrication Litol-24 for bearings.

⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the starter, do not lose the retaining ring on the armature shaft - without it, the starter will not be put back together. If you find severe wear of bendix teeth (more than 50%), be sure to replace it, otherwise it will start to “slip” and damage the flywheel.

How to check starter windings with a multimeter

1. Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 ohms).

2. Ring the armature winding: the resistance between the collector lamellas should be the same (~0.1–0.3 Ohm).

3. Check for a short circuit to the housing: the resistance between the winding and the shaft should tend to infinity.

4. For the stator winding, the normal resistance is 0.5–1.5 Ohm.

4. Electrical problems: where to look for an open circuit

If the starter is working, but does not work, the problem may be hidden in electrical circuit. On Almera Classic most often suffer:

  • 🔌 Ground wire from the battery to the body. Over time, it oxidizes, especially at the point where it is attached to the body under the hood (near the right pillar).
  • 📡 Wire from ignition switch to starter relay. Insulation chafing or breakage is a common occurrence after 10+ years of operation.
  • 🔋 Positive wire from battery to starter. Check it for melting or corrosion where it is attached to the solenoid relay.

To check the circuit:

  1. Turn on the ignition and turn the key to the “Start” position.
  2. Measure the voltage on the solenoid relay control wire (thin wire). Must be 12 V.
  3. If there is no voltage, check the fuse F30 and a circuit from the ignition switch to the relay.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With an alarm, the starter can be blocked by the immobilizer. If after installing the alarm the starter stops working, check its settings or the immobilizer bypass (if installed).

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If the starter does not work after washing the engine, most likely water has entered the solenoid relay or contacts. Dry them with a hairdryer or wait 1-2 hours - often the problem goes away on its own.

5. Influence of weather and operating conditions

On Nissan Almera Classic Starter malfunctions often occur seasonally:

  • ❄️ in winter problems are more often associated with battery discharge (especially if the battery is older than 3–4 years) or thickened oil in the engine (it is difficult for the starter to crank the crankshaft).
  • 🌧️ After the rain may appear short circuit in the starter due to moisture entering through cracks in the housing.
  • 🔥 Summer at high temperatures possible thermal expansion contacts of the solenoid relay, which leads to their burning.

If the starter is “capricious” only in wet weather, treat the contacts spray for electronics (For example, CRC 2-26). In winter, it is recommended to use a battery with a capacity of at least 60 Ah and check the density of the electrolyte (should be 1.27–1.29 g/cm³).

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If the starter does not turn only when cold, but starts after several attempts, the problem is most likely due to wear on the brushes or burnt-out commutator.

6. When the starter needs to be replaced

Starter repair Nissan Almera Classic justified if the malfunction is related to:

  • 🔧 Retractor relay (replacement costs 2-3 times cheaper than a new starter).
  • 🧹 Pollution or wear of brushes (they can be replaced separately).
  • 🔄 Burning of the collector (grooving on a lathe costs ~500–800 rubles).

It is advisable to replace the starter assembly in the following cases:

  • 💥 Anchor jamming (often accompanied by a burning smell).
  • 🔄 Severe wear on bendix teeth (more than 50% of the original height).
  • 🔥 Interturn short circuit of windings (determined by a multimeter or by a characteristic smell).

Cost of a new starter for Almera Classic (article 23300-4M000 or 23300-4M005) - from 8,000 to 12,000 rubles. (for 2026). When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturer: original starters Nissan or analogues from Denso last longer than budget Chinese options. Installing a starter at a service station will cost 1,500–2,500 rub., but if you have the tools, you can do it yourself.

7. Prevention: how to extend the life of the starter

Starter service life Almera Classic can be increased by following simple recommendations:

  • 🔋 Monitor the battery charge. A discharged battery causes the starter to work with overload, which leads to accelerated wear of the brushes.
  • 🛠️ Clean your contacts solenoid relay and battery terminals every 20–30 thousand km. Use fine sandpaper or a special brush.
  • 🚗 Do not hold the key in the "Start" position for more than 5 seconds. If the engine does not start, pause for 10–15 seconds.
  • 🔧 Check the starter fastening. Vibrations accelerate wear on Bendix bearings and teeth.

If you often drive short distances (for example, in the city), the starter will wear out faster due to frequent starts. In this case, it is recommended to remove the starter every 1–2 years for preventative cleaning and lubrication.

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Using low viscosity oil (for example, 5W-30 instead of 10W-40) in winter reduces the load on the starter and extends its life.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Almera Classic starter

The starter clicks but does not turn. What to do first?

First check the battery charge and cleanliness of the terminals. If the battery is OK, close the contacts of the solenoid relay with a screwdriver. If the starter spins, the problem is in the retractor or its control circuit. If not, the starter itself (brushes, armature or windings) is faulty.

Is it possible to drive if the starter fires every once in a while?

Short-term - yes, but this is fraught with complete failure at the most inopportune moment. Most often, the “overcharged” problem is associated with burning of the contacts of the solenoid relay. The longer you delay repairs, the higher the risk that the starter will stop working completely.

How much does it cost to repair a starter on an Almera Classic?

Prices depend on the fault:

  • Replacing the solenoid relay: 1,500–2,500 rub. (with work).
  • Replacing brushes: 2,000–3,500 rub.
  • Collector groove: 800–1,500 rub.
  • Replacing the starter assembly: 8,000–12,000 rub. (spare part) + 1,500–2,500 rub. (work).

Which starter is better to choose for replacement: original or analogue?

Original starters Nissan (article 23300-4M000) more reliable, but more expensive. Good analogues:

  • Denso (Japan) - quality close to the original.
  • Bosch (Germany) - reliable, but there may be problems with compatibility with fastenings.
  • Valeo (France) - a budget option, but the resource is lower.

Avoid cheap Chinese starters - they often fail after 1-2 years.

Is it possible to start Almera Classic with a broken starter?

Yes, there are three ways:

  1. From the pusher (for manual transmission only): accelerate the car to 10–15 km/h, engage 2nd gear and release the clutch.
  2. Closing contacts: if the retractor is faulty, you can close its contacts with a screwdriver (see section 2).
  3. Power from another car: if the problem is a discharged battery, “light it” from the donor.

⚠️ Attention: Launch from a pusher Almera Classic with Automatic transmission is impossible - it will lead to breakage of the box!